About

Kuroi Hana Knife Collection – Japanese Steel

£1,698,619

pledged of £25,000 goal

6,705

backers

What is a prototype?

A prototype is a preliminary model of something. Projects that offer physical products need to show backers documentation of a working prototype. This gallery features photos, videos, and other visual documentation that will give backers a sense of what’s been accomplished so far and what’s left to do. Though the development process can vary for each project, these are the stages we typically see:

Proof of Concept

Explorations that test ideas and functionality.

Functional Prototype

Demonstrates the functionality of the final product, but looks different.

Appearance Prototype

Looks like the final product, but is not functional.

Design Prototype

Appearance and function match the final product, but is made with different manufacturing methods.

Production Prototype

Appearance, function, and manufacturing methods match the final product.

Prototype Gallery

These photos and videos provide a detailed look at this project’s development.

What inspired us to create the Kuroi Hana range is that cooking should be more than just an everyday task; it should inspire creativity. We believe that creativity in cooking comes from a combination of supreme quality materials, artisanal craftsmanship, and aesthetic beauty.

Based on our experience in knife making we carefully selected a supreme quality Japanese steel called AUS-10. With a hardness range of 58-60 HRC, high toughness, supreme sharpness and good corrosion resistance, this steel is ideal for the highest quality Chef knives.

Our blade consists of 67 layers of premium quality Japanese steel. This multi-layered steel has its origin in both Japanese samurai and Damascene sword making.

Whilst the pattern is originally formed in the forging process, skilled artisan workers manually submerge the blade into an etching solution. This penetrates the multiple layers of steel and brings out the beautiful dark floral pattern on the blade. Each blade pattern is unique.

We worked with London designer Christian Bird, to create a contemporary and effortlessly beautiful design that ensured our knives were of the highest quality, both aesthetically and functionally.

Every KUROI HANA blade consists of 67 layers of Japanese high carbon steel from Aichi steel corporation. Each layer also contributes to a combined layered effect known as the ‘Damascus effect’. The result is this amazing dark floral pattern. This is KUROI HANA.

The steel core is of AUS10. AUS-10 is Aichi’s most well-rounded knife steel. With a hardness range of 58-60 HRC, high toughness, scary sharpness and good corrosion resistance, AUS-10 is the recommended grade for high-end chef's knives.

This innovative high carbon steel core also contains Vanadium which improves the wear resistance, toughness, and ease of sharpening. The remaining layers are formed by alterations of S/S 430 and S/S 431 steel to create an outer case, protecting the cutting core.

The blade cutting angle is 35º (17.5 on each side for optimal sharpness).

Black Diamond Knife Block

A tremendous thank you to all 4,000 backers who have helped us reach the huge milestone of £1,000,000. We are extremely thankful for your support. To celebrate this milestone, we are excited to present new add-on products exclusively to all our backers. In response to your kind feedback and product suggestions, our design team have worked very hard to finalise the design of four new knives. All backers will be able to add these items to their pledge on CrowdOx once the campaign has ended. The delivery of all add-ons will be in March 2018.

Risks and challenges

We have fully established relationships with our suppliers and manufacturers and have worked with them for over 5 years. During this period they have always been honest with us, and we will always be honest with you. Unexpected hiccups can happen along the way and if they do we will always be open and upfront about it. We know how important transparency is and we commit to always keeping you in the loop about the status of our campaign.